Follow-Up: After Deadly Sunset Park Fire, NYC Council Sets Emergency Hearing on Residential Fires and Lithium-Ion Battery Safety for Nov. 20
NEW YORK — Following the deadly fire in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin announced that the Council will hold a joint oversight hearing on November 20 on residential fire safety and lithium-ion battery storage practices, examining enforcement of existing laws and potential new legislation.
The fire broke out early on November 5 at a two-story home at 653 58th Street in Sunset Park, Kings County, killing six people and injuring nine — one of New York City's deadliest fires this year. The FDNY says the cause remains under investigation; investigators found two lithium-ion batteries inside the home, and Council Member Susan Zhuang said e-bikes were also found at the scene. The victims were badly burned and identification is still underway; community members say the victims are believed to be Chinese residents, though their identities have not been officially confirmed.
According to the Council, New York City has recorded 406 battery-related fires so far this year, up 68 percent from 241 in the same period of 2025, and battery fires have caused nine deaths and 70 injuries this year. Menin's statement also cited a South Bronx e-bike battery fire last week that killed four members of a family; the two fires together claimed 10 lives.
Related: Six killed, nine injured in Sunset Park house fire; lithium-ion battery found, cause under investigation (Source: New York City Council)
Source: New York City Council
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：纽约市消防局车辆。Wikimedia Commons（CC BY-SA 4.0）。 / Photo: An FDNY vehicle in New York City. Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).
- 2026-11-05Brooklyn Sunset Park House Fire Kills 6 and Injures 9: Lithium-Ion Battery Found as Cause Remains Under Investigation
- 2026-11-07Follow-Up: After Deadly Sunset Park Fire, NYC Council Sets Emergency Hearing on Residential Fires and Lithium-Ion Battery Safety for Nov. 20This story
